понедельник, 22 ноября 2010 г.

Home-my-Home

Home-my-Home


Корпоративное запланирование случая в типе

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 09:00 AM PST

Today’s post, and just in time for Holiday season party planning season, is from Jo Cox of Greenscape decor, an event planning and decorating firm in business since 1994. If you’ve got an event to plan for your large scale family gatherings, or just a Christmas party event at work, I’d advise you to keep reading to hear the tips from the experts in the field …

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Planning a corporate event can be a daunting task. Certainly you can plug in an iPod, serve up some appie platters, add a few balloons and streamers, but will that be an event that everyone will be looking forward to or will remember all year long?

Perhaps, if there is an open bar…

But if not, unique party ideas and themes will help you to stand out, get noticed, and be remembered. A theme provides interest and coherence for the attendees and also makes planning more focused and efficient. Deciding on a theme early in the planning process is essential to tying together the various aspects of an event.

For instance, a whole selection of entertainers such as jugglers, stilt walkers, a jazz trio, magicians, hula dancers, fire eaters, and Elvis impersonators can look eclectic and be interesting, but will definitely seem out of place and make your guests question “Why is that there”? Themes can be as simple as a style choice, be created around relevant industry hot topics, or based on the unique aspects of the event location.

The ultimate aim of a corporate party is to have everyone to get to know each other better, to relax, to feel pride in their company, and to feel like a team. Fun and interesting themes helps encourage everyone in attendance to interact, participate, express themselves and find a chance to laugh out loud. This doesn't mean just having everyone dressing up in cowboy costumes – make sure to create a festive atmosphere with suitable activities that fit with the party theme to ensure that everyone can get involved. Theming can include a wide spectrum of ideas based on branding, company mandates, colours, eras, seasons, or culture.

Interactive theme ideas include:

Casino Night

Murder Mystery

Nautical or Underwater

Safari or African Jungle

Mexican Fiesta

Australian Outback

Rainforest

Wild West

Speakeasy

Survivor

Cirque or Circus or Carnivale

Medieval

Lounge or Buddha Bar

Black and White

Pirate

Masquerade

Tuscan, Grape to Glass

Hollywood

50's, 60's, 70's, or 80's

Themed events can be lavish spectacles or effective even on a small budget. Meeting planners, prop and décor rental companies, and entertainment companies are invaluable resources to creating a fabulous themed event. For smaller budgets, consider three or four main areas of the venue to create focus: entryway to the event, the stage or speaker area, guest tables, and food stations.

The key to successfully executing a coordinated event is to evoke your theme throughout the affair. Even if the theme is as general as "spring fling" or as specific as "The Great Gatsby", your location, invitations, online evites, décor, menu, entertainment, and swag should all cleverly reflect one common concept. Use Your Creativity. Ask a Designer. Take the Ordinary and Make it Extraordinary!

3 Tried and True Themed Event Planning Décor Ideas – With New Twists!

1. Tropical– Where's My Pineapple?
Tropical themes typically see décor items such as tiki huts and tropical foliage and flowers and signature drinks with umbrellas or coconuts. Fun ideas for beach themes include hanging pool floats from the ceiling, having guests sit on bamboo mats around low tables, or putting up brightly coloured table umbrellas. New eye-catching spins on tropical themes are contemporary illuminated tables, centerpieces, and palm trees. [Ed: a great ironic Christmas idea!]

2. Winter Wonderland
A winter wonderland theme can be a elegant event whether is it hosted at a mountain top venue, a hotel ballroom, or even in the summer. Let white reign supreme with touches of ice, blue, lilac or silver. Forget traditional winter props and Christmas trees, and move to a modern feel with crisp white linens, contemporary acrylic ghost chairs, real ice centerpieces, flocked trees, natural birch poles, and magical lighting to create an enchanting atmosphere.

3. Black and White Theme – Instead, Think Pink!


Event Planning: What's In?
Color, color and more color. Monochromatic events! Stylish eco-events that look ultra cool yet communicate a clear message of sustainability. Organic meets opulent. Escapism – fun, whimsy, and inspiring environments, hanging interesting light fixtures or décor pieces from the ceiling of the event space. Large oversize props in open spaces to make a bold statement. LED technology

Event Planning: What's Over?
Frivolous events with meaningless objectives and uninspired event décor. Water tables and glass containers with submerged florals. Wastefulness – time, money, food, or product.

The elegance of a formal black and white event is timeless. However, a modern approach to the traditional black and white is to create a monochromatic event. All black, or all white, or even all pink, or chartreuse, or silver, or gold! You get the idea. A monochromatic event design included different tints and shades of the same colour, so you still can achieve depth in florals and fabrics, while also creating high impact achieve with a single choice of hue.

Look beyond the expected to find ideas, inspiration and themes that will thrill you and your guests. And when in doubt – ask an expert!

***

Thanks, Jo!

Greenscape Design & Décor are the fake plant experts. The event planning design team has the knowledge and experience to choose the appropriate foliage to add wow to a space, raise a business profile, attract new clients, provide low maintenance solutions, or to create the desired mood. If it involves trees, plants, florals, wood, metal, or fibreglass – if you dream it, they can fake it!

Take a look at this gallery of photos of Greenscape events.

You can contact Greenscape Design & Décor for a free event planning consultation.

And you can follow Jo and Greenscape Design & Décor on Twitter.

Cheers!

Rob.

Corporate Event Planning In Style is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. Superfast hardwood flooring installation through meticulous planning
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  3. Lighting Style Guide: Lighting in Your Kitchen

Скопируйте шик кота: Декор и меблировкы который не сломают банк

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 06:00 AM PST

Возможно вы пробуете setup дом для гостей этот курортный сезон. Возможно вы в середине реновации комнаты и wee A. бюджети. слишком туго для того чтобы получить идеально предмет мебели. Или возможно вы как раз всегда на бдительности для много, котор нужно добавить к декору вашего дома. Пока мы все желание мы смогли как раз погулять в любой магазин (или upload любой вебсайт) и закупить любой предмет мебели мы желаем, уныло то нет реальности для большинства нас. И пока авантюрное DIY'er может хотеть как раз построить look-alike часть сами, иногда время, инструменты, и поставкы не покиньте много комната для усилия. Так чего вы делаете когда вам нужен предмет мебели который смотрит большим, качества, но не сломаете банк?

Декор благодарения сделал легко

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 08:00 PM PST

It’s that special time of year again and you may be the lucky one who is hosting the Thanksgiving dinner this year! Whether you are on a budget or splashing out, below are some great tips and idea’s about decorating your home so your guests get a Thanksgiving welcome they will remember.

Steal these ideas for under $100

With a little imagination Thanksgiving decorating on a budget can be fun and will give you the chance to use natural Fall foliage and vegetables to decorate your table and dining area. Use pumpkins and mini pumpkins to decorate your mantel and table, they are cheap, and release that traditional aroma associated with Thanksgiving. Use the pumpkins on the mantal to secure a home made decoration. Here, natural Fall foliage has been twisted around fairy lights that give a relaxed and traditional atmosphere.

Scatter mini pumpkins on the table, with the focus here on candle light they will be a twinkle in every ones eye reminding all of you the reason you made all the effort to be together today. First of all we focus on the main event ‘The Dining Table’ with prices based on 8 guests. The table below shows how to create your dining room look and table with some alternative touches for less than $100.

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A warm inviting place for you and your guests to enjoy!

Round Table Mats

tablematsround

Bloomingdales $66.56

Glass Candle Holder

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100candles.com $4.99

White Fairy lights

fairylights

ldj-lights.com $16.12

Scented Candles

candles

Everywhere from $0.99

Thanksgiving is about giving and not really showing but again using natural decorations can really add imaginative and inexpensive style to your thanksgiving table. A lovely natural table here is complimented by artichoke decorations in each place, lovely warm candle light, and natural table linen. Sneak this look for less than $100 dollars by basing your look around natural table linen.

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Adding natural pieces will enhance your tables style!

Table Cloth

amzon-table-clth-small

Amazon $10.98

Napkins

linene-napkins

Linenme.com $38.94

Candle holder

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100candles.com $25

Wine Goblets

winegoblets1

ebay $19.98

Create these looks for less than $200

Should you have a slightly higher budget up to $200 then this dining room design below may be a good example for you. The golds and ambers in this room compliment the colors of fall perfectly, and the slim vases add luminescent accents through the candle light as day turns into night. You can pick up similar tall vases from your local hardware store really cheap and also the candles range from just 0.99 cents. Just mix with our other item choices below for a similar look.

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The warm amber glow in this room is inviting as day turns to night!

Metal Vase

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Bloomingdales $50

White Plates

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Bloomingdales $99

Amber Glass Plates

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csristores.com $20

Amber Wine Glasses

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Walmart $12

We all have different ideas about Thanksgiving, some more traditional than others. But it does depend on our guests and how we feel they will want to be welcomed and what sort of atmosphere they will enjoy. This dining experience offers a more traditional ambience blending a bit of old fashioned glitz with new, where the finished result reveals an exsquisit setting to relax and enjoy this special day. Remember to look online, you will can find lots of great bargains to save you the legwork.

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Create a rich inviting table with a few hints of the past!

Gold Plates

gold-plates

Amazon $46.99

Carved Candle Sticks

woodencandlesticks2

ebay $40

Tapestry Runner

tapestry-table-runner2

Amazon $35

Gold Rimmed Flutes

gold-wine-glasses2

Amazon $36.95

Go for gold for under $500

If you want to party in expensive style this Thanksgiving then the next 2 decorative designs may be helpful. Whether it’s a party at home or maybe a Fall wedding then steal these idea’s to create your own party table with a touch of luxury for under $500. We loved all the gold going on here, this look could be at home or at a party venue.

wedding-table
Glam up your Thanksgiving party with lashings of gold!

Silk Organza

bwywc1wegkkgrhqzhgev10gc6bmkmcrf2u_35

ebay $145

Gold Plates

gold-plates2

Amaroni.com $197

Gold napkins

gold-napkins

Bloomingdales $104

Candle Centrepieces

candle-centrepiece

Wedding stores from $2

Our final choice of dining design is this stunning antique style dining table with a rich tapestry style table cloth, a beautiful natural centrepiece, warm ambient tea lite holders infused with elegant glassware and china. This look has a rich sense of the Victorian era with a hint of the Middle East. Take a few ideas from this table and create a unique look to impress your guests. Choose 2 delicate orchid plants instead of a centrepiece and swap the pink candle holders for the mosaic ones we chose below to add a bit more Middle Eastern influence.

dining-500-21

A rich authentic design with accents of the Middle East!

Tapestry fabric

tapestry

Hancocks.com $108

Orchid Centrepiece

orchidorange1

Local florists $300

Satin napkins

brown-satin-napkins

alwayselegant.com $30

Candle holder

mosaic-candle2

100candles.com $24

We know the dining table is the important focal point of Thanksgiving but it isn’t the only table you can decorate. Side tables can look equally effective by adding amber candles like the table below placed on and around a natural mat. The amber bottles really set off the candle light, we found some unique alternatives by David Guilfoose and finally a stunning fall fruit basket to finish off the look either made by yourself or bought in.

side-table1

A warm array of decorations adding ambience to any side table!

Amber bottles

amber-bottles

manolohome.com $28

Amber candles

amber-candles

createandbarrel.com $4

Natural straw mat

straw-placemat1

waybasics.com $8

Fruit basket

fall-fruit-basket1

Sensational $40

Here the emphasis is on ‘all things natural’, working around the antique looking jug and tray set with church candles, a natural leafy plant, a rustic wicker basket, and a cheeky little pumpkin taking centre stage to remind us it’s Thanksgiving.

sidetable2

Natural elements create rustic class!

Schefflera plant

green-plant22

Victoriasforal.com $46

Church candles

church-candles1

Everywhere from $2

White pumkins

white-pumkins

Grow your own $0

Wicker baskets

brown-wicker-baskets1

organize.com $59.99

Natural foliage can make fabulous organic decorations. Get the kids involved and head out into the country where you’ll find all kinds of colorful grasses, wild plants and branches in abundance.

room3

A stunning side piece or centrepiece!

room2

A beautiful corner piece!

Wouldn’t it be nice for your guests approach your home and see a touch of Thanksgiving before they get inside. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on this just use your imagination with stuff hanging around your yard. Pumpkins have a long shelf life and can be used again and again so make a bold statement like these guys did below. Get creative with an old birdhouse, and again use a touch of organic foliage to spruce up and old rickety shelf.

birdhouse2

A novel way to say welcome!

pumkin-path

Make a statement with a pumpkin pathway!

Mums are so much a part of Thanksgiving in more ways that one. Instead of just hanging the usual wreath on your door, add a few Mums and more pumpkins for a stylish entrance. Again this is so inexpensive, especially if you grow your own Mums.

purple-house

Mums really do make a big impression!

mums-and-pumkins

Mums always brighten up Thanksgiving!

Finally don’t forget the yard and the garden, take the party outdoors especially if you have a nice view from your dining area! Let the kids have their spot or make a dramatic lawn centrepiece with natural foliage and dress up your pedestal.

outside11

Let the kids get creative in the garden!

outside2

Add natural drama to your lawn!

Remember! Thanksgiving is a harvest festival to show our gratefulness to family and friends for the food and relationships we share. It is still celebrated as a religious festival also. Above all it is a day to enjoy with our favorite people and celebrate the wonderful natural hues of Fall. Lets leave you with those beautiful thoughts of this special season and extra special day.

new-england-2

Appreciate the beautiful colors of Fall!

foliage1

There really is no other season as vibrant!

We hope you have enjoyed our Thanksgiving ideas and we hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Credits

Exterminators Bedbug приходят в все типы

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 01:42 AM PST

Если вы имели, то несчастливая задача вызывать для exterminator bedbug, ванты или gal которая показывают вверх на вашей двери смогла быть следующим Jake Gyllenhaal или Энн Hathaway. Нечетная статья от Журнала Уолла Стрита определяет борясь актеры как основные выбранные для того чтобы быть exterminators bedbug. Никогда не кончаясь поставка актеров всегда будет заполнять свободное пространство когда работа быть сделанным и этот год пульсация в рапортах bedbugs и потребности искоренить их на подъеме в NYC.

Самомоднейшие дома каникулы

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PST

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The ideal site for a private vacation retreat will usually have access to nature, great views, and a private setting. It's the task of the Architect to design a home that adds to the special nature of the site rather than detract from it.

The following vacation retreats seem to be drastically different, but for the lucky individuals that occupy them, there is one common theme: the site influenced the design. The path of the sun, the wind patterns, and the primary views are just a few external factors in designing a great home. For a vacation home or camp, these factors become much more important.

If you have the ideal site, why not have a home that makes the most of it?

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Photo source: bklarch.com

Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Photo source: bklarch.com

Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Photo source: bklarch.com

Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Photo source: bklarch.com

Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Photo source: bklarch.com

Coffou Cottage - Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd

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Photo source: bow-wow.jp

Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Photo source: bow-wow.jp

Mountain House - Atelier Bow-Wow

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Photo source: antoniosofan.com

Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Photo source: antoniosofan.com

Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Photo source: antoniosofan.com

Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Photo source: antoniosofan.com

Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Photo source: antoniosofan.com

Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Photo source: antoniosofan.com

Santa Elena House - Antonio Sofan

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Photo source: gudmundurjonsson.no/

Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Summer House in S. Iceland - Gudmundur Jonsson

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Photo source: 0-plus.com

Snee Oosh Cabin - Zero Plus Architects

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Snee Oosh Cabin - Zero Plus Architects

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Photo source: 0-plus.com

Snee Oosh Cabin - Zero Plus Architects

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Photo source: 0-plus.com

Snee Oosh Cabin - Zero Plus Architects

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Photo source: bcj.com

Farrer House - Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architecture

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Photo source: bcj.com

Farrer House - Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architecture

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Photo source: giannibotsford.com

Casa Kike - Gianni Botsford Architects

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Casa Kike - Gianni Botsford Architects

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Photo source: giannibotsford.com

Просто новые версии для глянцеватой новой ванной комнаты

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 03:06 PM PST

С ежедневным и непрерывным использованием, ванная комната может revamping в пределах как раз немного лет. Настолько как позаботиться о он без оплачивать для всей реновации? Дайте ваш космос what’ вызванный s небольшой ванной комнатой remodel. Вы spruce вверх косточки места с немного просто задач, и ваша ванная комната посмотрит удивительно-и допустим-освежила. Here’ s как. 1. Замените старый Grout Во-первых, посмотрите к заломам и crevices. Элен Tesauro всех палуб и улучшения говорит что то заменять старый grout в плитке может «принести новой жизни к старой ванной комнате.» Делать так не только поможет вашей ванной комнате для того чтобы посмотреть освеженным, но защищает против прессформы и mildew. Это проект который remodelers ванной комнаты могут принять внимательности в дня или 2. Получите свободное направление контрактора здесь. 2. Reglaze ушат Также как ванна resurfacing, этот процесс принимает старую ванну и восстанавливает ее (которая значит что вы можете также найти античный ушат когт-ноги на блошинном и получить он в годную к употреблению форму). Мастерские кухни и ванны предлагают пакет который может сохранить клиента до 90 процентов на remodeling цены. 3. Замените Yucky настил Заменять старый линолеум для более менее пористого материала может революционизировать взгляд и функцию вашей ванной комнаты. Которыми материалами, котор нужно заменить с? Бетон, для одного, терпит через высокое движение и влажностные условия, и защищает против прессформы и mildew пока держащ ванную комнату посмотреть чист. Вы можете даже установить heated настил для того чтобы держать вашу семью теплым через зиму. Получите, что цитаты настила сравнить тарифы в вашей области. После кухни, ванная комната использовать комната в доме и имеет неимоверно высокое возвращение дальше облечени-ровное на малых но заметных изменениях. Держите в разуме который проблемам утечки или прессформы наиболее наилучшим образомнаилучшим образом адресуют от внутренности - вне, и часто требуют, что тщательный осмотр для проблемы улучшает. В такие случаи, спросите, что профессионал определяет проект. Кредит фото: Houzz

Черные дела покупкы праздника пятницы

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 01:03 PM PST

Получите скачку на черной покупке праздника пятницы с этими делами от некоторых розничных торговцев пика активности канала. Держите проверить назад по мере того как мы уточняем эту повседневность страницы. Pre-Черные дела Юоме Депот сбываний пятницы Юоме Депот предлагает сбережения прибора, самые низкие цены года. Специальное имеющееся финансирование + бесплатная доставка и тянет прочь. Он-лайн только. От сегодня до 24-ого ноября, Юоме Депот предлагает 20% с вакуумов Dyson 20% с вакуумов Dyson. Он-лайн только. Получите весь из вашего декора праздника поставленного к вашей двери на рабате Освободите перевозку груза на всем декоре праздника! Он-лайн только.

8 заботливых вещей регулируя дом Remodeling проект

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 09:00 AM PST

Today’s guest post is from S. Thomas, a freelance writer who regularly contributes articles to bloggers on a wide range of home improvement topics, including tips for hiring remodeling contractors, kitchen improvements, and preparation for selling a home.

***

Every year, millions of Americans improve their homes. Whether you are building a new home, adding an basement, or remodeling a kitchen or bath, improving your house can be a pretty expensive proposition.

In 2004 homeowners spent $544 billion dollars building, remodeling and, improving their homes, with project ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and even millions of dollars. For home improvements, roughly 85% of these costs over the past five years was paid to contractors. Here’s a couple of things to watch our for when working with contractors.

1. Don’t take on too much.
One of the mistakes that have caused most of the problems for homeowners have been trying to do too much on too little. Underestimating the budget can cause you to believe the contractor who says they can do all this work for an unrealistically low price or hire subcontractors with too little experience. You also run the risk of running out of money before you finish the job and this puts you in the position of potentially being forced to sell an unfinished house and lose the money already put into the project.

2. Ask for references.
Why do homeowners consistently spend amazing amounts of money on home repair or building projects without bothering to even ask for references or seeing a contractor's previous work before hiring him? This should be the number one thing on your list before you hire a contractor.

3. Shop Around
Try to get at least two or three quotes before you make your decision. This way if some of them are unrealistic you can just dismiss it. This also gives enough leeway to ask some probing questions and dig a little deeper and make sure everything is covered and that allowances – the amount contractors estimate for things like lighting or plumbing fixtures that you select – is reasonable. Feel free to let your instinct guide you on this because many times, this may be the right answer.

4. Every quote should be a written quote
This is a must in every project. Get the quote in writing. I have had plenty of instances where I would have saved myself plenty of effort and hassle had I had the terms and costs in clear black and white. When the contractor has agreed to the terms and costs and signed a contract, you’re protected from the hassle of unnecessary arguments later. However this does go both ways. Just as if the contractor misses something, if you forget an item, clause, or caveat, you too are out of luck, so make sure you read the contract thoroughly and do not just sign it.

5. Ask for deadlines
Always ask the general contractor to set deadlines for thr project. While the interdependency of subcontractors may skewer this number immensely to make it fair or managable, that still shouldn’t stop you from trying.

Work with the general contractor or manager to set the terms. Ask how long the project will take, knowing that these projects never go as planned, and then ask for a reasonable cushion. The cushion suggested should accommodate weather delays and unexpected events. The cushion should also state a specific number of rain days, defining what constitutes one. Not only must you state a deadline and exceptions, but you must also define "completion." This can vary from project to project so pick your own definition and make sure it’s included. Finally make sure you add penalties. The penalty can vary from a reduction on the percentage paid on the final draw, forfeiture of the remaining payment, or an agreed upon dollar fine or percentage of the job in total.

6. Ensure you have Lien Waivers after every payment
When you give a payment, make sure you require a signed lien waiver in return. This is the sub-contractor's official acknowledgment of the payment. Get one for any payment – deposit, interim or final. Partial waiver and final waiver forms are a bit different. Specifically, the final waiver will show all payments as well as the final payment and acknowledges that the contract is paid in full.

7. Visible work does not necessarily equal completed work
Being visibly involved and interested in a remodeling job – and especially in a building or addition project helps. This way you’ll know progress being made, and you can potentially spot problems and errors before they become too big to fix or too extensive to be manageable. You can also ensure work is being completed by just being around. The one thing to remember is there will be some days where you feel nothing was done and that may not be the case. There are plenty of things happening that you may not be aware of. Talk to the contractor and get an idea of what was done that day.

8. Don’t pay until you’re sure the project is complete
The key to getting contractors to do what you need them to do is to maintain the leverage of paying them. You must be careful not to pay ahead of the work completed. Some contractors will require a down payment. Try to avoid this if you can. Before providing a down payment, be absolutely sure this is a contractor you trust. For some trades, this is a necessity, especially those that must get supplies in advance – masons, carpenters, dry wallers, and often electricians and plumbers. Others do it to ensure your commitment because they will turn down other jobs in order to schedule yours.

So keep these things in mind next time you have a project coming up. With these tips you should have smooth sailing and avoid most of the pitfalls that the typical home owner falls into. Have fun with your project and good luck!


8 Mindful Things When Handling a Home Remodeling Project is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. 21 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor
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  3. Stone Project Estimator

Определите утечки и сохраньте большой на счетах воды

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 07:31 AM PST

Мы говорим много о сбережениях энергии, но сохранение воды как раз как важно как для владельцев дома, так и для коммерчески предпринимателей здания. Кроме делать хорошее относящое к окружающей среде чувство, контролировать ваше потребление воды простой способ поужинать сбережения на вашем ежемесячном счете воды. Одна из самых больших причин цен прилива неопознанные утечки, которые могут случиться в разнообразие местах: faucets, туалеты и системы опылительного орошения. Установите в сторону некоторое время рассмотреть каждый из этих приборов в вашем доме. Если вы замечаете утечку, то отремонтируйте повреждение или вызовите в профессионале трубопровода для помощи.

Подготовьте ваш дом на зима

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PST

Get your home and yard ready for the winter season in advance with these great tips. Think of all the energy you will save by filling in those air gaps, and preserve your deck ready for next summer. Clean out your fireplace and have the flu expertly checked over. A few bits of maintenance will keep you warm and save you money this winter.

Prepare in advance for the cold spell

The usual culprits for drafts are your windows. You can easily check for drafts around your windows by moving a candle around the frame to see if there is any flicker. Any gaps you fill will keep the warmth from your heating system inside.

Photo source: hgtv.com

A quick and easy way to check for drafts

On the exterior of the frame you need to check for gaps and cracks. If you see any they will need re-caulking. To save on future maintenance you should really remove the old caulking and start from scratch for a stronger finish. Caulking softeners are available to give you a helping hand but it’s usually not difficult to remove.

Photo source: hgtv.com

Removing the old caulk will give a stronger seal

Polyurethene caulk is really good for large or small gaps and cracks, and one tube should be sufficient. Just snip off the tip and check that it fits underneath the window seam, then load onto the gun. The caulk should set in between 12 - 15 hours, and as a result you have an air tight window for the whole of the winter and less maintenance to consider.

Photo source: hgtv.com

Re-caulking will last you all winter

Another area for drafts are your exterior doors. You can do an easy inspection by slipping a piece of light coloured paper underneath, then see how clean it is when you slide it out. If it’s really dirty and covered in outside debris then you have a serious gap that needs filling in.

Photo source: hgtv.com

The paper test is quick and accurate

If you find you have big gaps then you can use a backer rod with caulk, just apply the caulk to one side and push into place. To prevent any air getting through make sure you put caulk on both edges. If the end result looks a little undesirable you can always nail on a more decorative trim.

Photo source: hgtv.com

A good draft excluder will save you dollars

To apply weather strip around the whole door a good tip is to use a putty type knife that will help you push the strip evenly into the corners and also after cutting off the end it will help you push the end into a corner for a more secure finish.

Photo source: hgtv.com

Keep the lovely warm air taped in

It’s not just the inside that needs preparing, if you have wooden decking then you must prepare for the damp and cold. The first thing to do is clear everything off it including potted plants as they retain moisture. The first maintenance job is to clean it, and sweep away leaves etc.

Photo source: diynetwork.com

Groove out those leaves for a clean finish

Pick out all the debris that has got stuck in between the planks and then scrub using a water and bleach solution, or a specialty cleaning product. For really large decking area you may want to hire a high pressure washer.

Photo source: diynetwork.com

A clean surface will be easier to seal

Finally apply a sealer using either a foam pad with built in reservoir or a foam roller for even application. Your deck will be totally protected throughout the winter, but for even more protection a temporary fence will keep the wind at bay.

Photo source: diynetwork.com

All sealed in ready for the elements

If you don’t already have insulation in your roof then a great new system is foam insulation. The foam fills the spaces and gaps in between the framing studs. This foam insulation expansion rate is 100 times and as the house contracts or expands depending on the season the foam does too ensuring small area’s and gaps are filled all the time. We recommend to spray a small area first until you get the hang of it or hire a contractor if you are unsure. Once the roof is completed then simply shave away any foam that has set over the framing edge. This foam insulation is non toxic and has a lifetime guarantee.

Photo source: betterfoammachine.com

Non toxic foam insulation is sprayed then left to expand

To avoid damp, attic maintenance is vital as poor ventilation will allow moisture in that will encourage mold, resulting in rotten wood. The air circulating must be able to get to all area’s without allowing any more in. A ridge and soffitt system seems the best to control this and distributes the air upwards. Other systems like hood vents seem to leave some of the smaller areas subjected to moisture.

Photo source: hgtv.com

Poor attic ventilation will encourage damp

Safety in your home is very important, so if you have a fireplace you must make sure the flu is in good working order. You can get a qualified contractor to do this who will also check the outside of the chimney. To prepare it for use, first of all you need to clean it out with hot soapy water and a wire brush. Check the chimney cap is sufficient to prevent water damage, and secure enough not allow birds to nest. Keep rugs and flammable fabrics away from the fire, a spark could easily star a fire.

Photo source: hgtv.com

Have a safe and warm winter

Underfloor central heating is more commonplace today, with no ugly radiators on show. It is also suitable for any property and is a great way to use solar energy and save on you heating bills and help the environment. Its really efficient and functions in all cold climates well. It works by being linked up to the existing heating system and flows warm water through pipes that are looped under the floor. The loops from each zone run to and from a system manifold which is easily accessed.

Photo source: waterunderfloorheating.co.uk

An example of the loop system

We hope we have helped you in our maintenance ideas and help you to prepare for the winter season, check out our directory for professional contractors to help you.


Дом верхней части 10 года самый рентабельный Remodels

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 09:53 AM PST

It’s here! Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2010 just hit the web. But because the report is tough to sift through, I’ve broken down the top 10 most cost-effective projects below.

Get out your pen, folks. Research starts here!

1. Deck Addition (Wood)

Deck additions are mid-range projects with huge returns on investment. Spend about $10,500 on your new wooden deck, and expect to earn at least $7,500 back when you sell.

2. Minor Kitchen Remodel

The economy may have dampened a lot of industry, but it hasn't crushed the return on minor kitchen remodels. The key is not to cut corners—get the most out of your kitchen remodel with someone who knows what they're doing: a licensed contractor.

3. Siding Replacement (Vinyl)

This is another big one—homeowners across the country are rushing to fix up their siding. With winter around the corner, no one wants the structural damage and soaring energy bills that come along with neglected home exteriors. Give your siding a little winter TLC and have an expert check it out.

4. Window Replacement (Wood or Vinyl)

What happens when we leave old, drafty windows in place too long? Up to two-thirds of our home's heating and cooling floats right out the window. Wood, vinyl and fiberglass windows are the top insulators on the market today, and always make for great replacements.

But act fast—the federal tax credit for 30% (up to $1,500) of your installation costs is about to expire on December 30, 2010. Get the low-down here.

5. Attic Bedroom

The benefits of attic-to-bedroom conversions are many. You gain another bedroom, recreation room, or guest suite for use immediately, your home's value takes a leap, and of course—the attic looks absolutely awesome.

6. Basement Remodel

No longer the cold, creepy storage space of yesteryear, basements are being remodeled into fantastic bedrooms, game rooms and family rooms for all to enjoy. And they can be finished on a budget with the right planning.

7. Major Kitchen Remodel

For homeowners ready to remodel the guts out of their kitchen, major renovations are the answer. Averages show that you can recoup nearly 70% of your investment, but with careful appliance selection and cabinet/countertop shopping with your contractor, expect to save a lot more. Compare rates for contractors here, and find out what kind of overhaul your budget allows.

8. Two-Story Addition

Certainly the most life-changing renovation, two-story additions completely remodel the look of your home. Their uses are as infinite as your imagination—add a few bedrooms, master suite, home office, library, or whatever your family needs most.

Homeowners that spent $165,000 on a second-story addition recouped at least $107,000, so choose the right design-builder and you'll end up with more value than you bargained for.

9. Bathroom Remodel

With an average 64.1% return, bathroom remodels are most cost-effective when major fixtures are left in place. Leave the plumbing alone if it's working fine, and focus on the flooring, sink, vanity, and bath or shower. Get a budget-friendly contractor to replace these components, and you're well on your way to an affordable new bathroom.

10. Master Suite Addition

Finally, to the sweet stuff! Master suite additions are growing in popularity, mostly for their practicality. Couples prefer separate spaces to do their thing—and future buyers appreciate that luxury as well.

Get your free price quotes here, and for help on anything remodeling, we are always a click away.

Photo Credits: Houzz, William Duff Architects, SunsetMag

Опасные химикаты домочадца: Азбест

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 09:00 AM PST

Asbestos is a group of natural mineral fibers widely used to manufacture building materials for nearly a century. Asbestos was highly prized in the building industry for the strength, insulation properties, and fire resistance that the fibers added to materials like roofing, insulation, siding, and tiles.

Millions of homes and buildings still contain asbestos used in their construction. As long as the materials are in good shape and cannot be crumbled by hand, the asbestos is adequately contained and poses no danger. When the materials crumble from age or exposure or are damaged, asbestos can become a health hazard.

Is the Use of Asbestos Banned Today?
It is a misconception that the use of asbestos was banned in the United States in the 1970s. Some uses of the material were banned. Asbestos can no longer be used to manufacture clothing, spray-on fireproofing for buildings, patching compounds, and gas heaters. Hair dryer manufacturers stopped using asbestos voluntarily and hair dryers with asbestos were recalled in 1979.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a program that would phase out the use of commercial asbestos over a 10 year period. The proposal passed in 1989 and phase one was implemented in 1990, but the federal appeals court overturned the law in 1991. Two years of debate and clarification followed, and the result was a ban on six categories of product:

  • Flooring felt – an underlayment for flooring
  • Commercial paper – a thin barrier used for insulation
  • Corrugated paper – insulation similar in construction to corrugated cardboard
  • Rollboard – a double layer of paper laminated together
  • Specialty paper – a thin paper used for fluid filters
  • New use – asbestos can not be used to manufacture products that do not historically contain it

Under the Clean Air Act, other particular application methods are defined that apply to asbestos-containing materials.

While asbestos materials are still more widely in use in the United States than most people are aware of, asbestos mining is banned, and only a few countries still mine asbestos, including Canada and Russia.

Click the image to view the image in full.

Where Asbestos is Found
In most cases, asbestos in your home does not pose significant risk. Since asbestos is always bound to other materials, risk of exposure is only when those materials can be crumbled by hand. This condition is called friable asbestos. One of the properties that makes asbestos so appealing for use in building materials is its indestructibility. Asbestos will not burn, can’t be broken down by any known chemical process, and does not break down with age. The same cannot be said for the materials asbestos is combined with.

When construction materials like siding, tiling, and insulation become brittle and start to crumble after decades of use, the binding material crumbles away and asbestos dust can be released into the air. At the highest risk are deteriorating buildings and old homes and apartments in low-income neighborhoods. Most homes built after the 1990s contain little asbestos, and many products that contain asbestos, like vinyl tiles, went out of fashion decades ago.

When to Worry
Most homes, even older ones, are safe. Commercial buildings are more likely than residential homes to have funding-fueled construction shortcuts, like carpet laid over asbestos tile. The time to worry is during a major renovation that involves tearing down walls, replacing very old siding, or pulling up old tiles. Processes that produce a great deal of dust should be handled with care, even in newer homes.

Before beginning a DIY project, it’s wise to send a sample of the material being removed to a lab for analysis. If you know or suspect asbestos-containing materials are in your home, the safest course is often to leave it in place undisturbed. Issues are more often raised by efforts to rid a home of asbestos than by asbestos left alone.

DIY Renovations
If you decide to renovate a home likely to have asbestos materials, protect yourself. Homeowners are not bound by commercial EPA laws, but it is wise to take precautions. The EPA goal for professional asbestos abatement is fairly straightforward: keep the dust down and wear protective clothing. Homeowners can adapt the same principals used by professionals:

  • Seal off the work area, including the ventilation system, the doors, and the windows.
  • Renovate during months that are cool and temperate.
  • Wear disposable outer clothing, including gloves and shoe covers.
  • Wear a filtered breathing mask – a simple painter’s mask is not enough.
  • Remove all furnishings from the room that might collect dust.
  • Use careful methods of demolition that produce the least amount of dust, for example sawing away wallboards and carefully peeling insulation from pipes.
  • After the project is complete, vacuum using a HEPA filter, carefully dispose of both filter and dust, and wet mop or sponge any remaining dust. Dispose of cleanup materials with the asbestos debris, including mop heads.
  • Check local EPA regulations about asbestos debris disposal.

Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos causes a relatively rare cancer called mesothelioma that develops 15 to 50 years after exposure and is always fatal. The overwhelming majority of victims are people who work with or around asbestos, but there is no known safe level of exposure. People who live, work, or go to school in structures constructed with asbestos are not generally considered at risk and do not currently comprise a significant percentage of victims. This may change in the future, as the homes and buildings built in the heyday of asbestos construction between the 1940s and the 1970s age and deteriorate.

Another concern among environmentalists is large-scale disaster. Events like the 9/11 terrorist attack and major hurricanes like Katrina pulverize buildings and throw tons of dust in the air. Construction dust inevitably contains toxic pollutants including asbestos, lead, and chemical compounds. The full impact of these disasters may not be measurable for decades to come.

Don’t Panic
Mesothelioma is still one of the rarest cancers and the people most likely to develop cancer are those exposed for a long period of time and their families. Despite the recent public focus on the dangers of mesothelioma, the general public is at little risk under normal circumstances.

To put it into perspective, 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are reported in the U.S. each year. Pneumonia and the flu are responsible for killing 52,717 Americans per year.

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Hazardous Household Chemicals: Asbestos is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

  1. Hazardous Household Materials: Lead Paint
  2. Asbestos Dangers: A Homeowner’s Field Guide
  3. Hazardous Household Materials: Carbon Monoxide

Преобразуйте ваш дом перед благодарением

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 08:11 AM PST

Что чудесный день еды и давать спасибо простая неделя прочь! Вы вероятно многодельное запланирование ваше меню (и изобретающ ваш план гастронома нападения), но если вы имеете любое свободное временя, то рассматриваете один (или несколько) из из этих просто проектов которые конструированы для того чтобы добавить максимальный удар к вашему дому. Ли вы на времени или планируете хруст, эти идеи пойдут длинний путь в впрыскивать новую жизнь в ваш дом. Так что если вы не имели возможность завершить широкомасштабную реновацию? Иногда, маленькие детали которые имеют большинств удар.

Дом холстины

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PST

What would the interior of an apartment look like if it was based on a painting by Karel Appel? The following interior was recently designed by Dutch architects Dus with inspiration from the works of Karel Appel who’s idiosyncratic paintings are created from the phrase “I start from the matter, the paint, the canvas.

Photo source: teokrijgsman.nl

A bold blank canvas

The Karel Apple house is in East Amsterdam, The Netherlands and is a unique combination of a short stay apartment with a boutique museum that is in collaboration with the Cobra Museum and the Royal Academy of Visual Arts. The whole project is a tribute to the famous avant garde painter Karel Apple and opened its doors May 2010.

Photo source: teokrijgsman.nl

Waiting for color

Appel's paintings and sculptures have a particular style using were vibrant and bold colors. The inside (walls, floors, ceilings and steel walls), stay with the same color theme as his paintings; He has treated each like a canvas waiting for color to be added.

Photo source: teokrijgsman.nl

Colour starts to appear

Instead of being a regular scale apartment Dus created six studio rooms, and they opened up the floor plan by replacing the original walls with additional steel ones. The rooms were designed for multi purpose use so the person staying can sleep, cook, dine and have a guest to stay. The short stay furniture which has been designed to be compact and adaptable fits perfectly. Dus have in fact created mini apartments while cleverly utiliziing the total floor space.

Photo source: teokrijgsman.nl

A studio of versatility

The communal area’s are easily identified by leaving the walls white, while the colored ceilings, walls and floors put emphasis on the private areas. The furniture is easily transformed as the steel walls have specific openings, so a dresser in one room could be a table in an adjacent room. The simple bulb hanging in the centre of each room creates shadows and intensities while it can also be a reading lamp.

Photo source: teokrijgsman.nl

Practical innovation in color

This house is open to second year artists at the Dutch Royal Academy of Visual Arts where Appel also attended. They can stay in the house for 11 months taking full advantage of the space it offers then on the 12th month it transforms into exhibition space.

Photo source: teokrijgsman.nl

A place for inspiring artists

See our directory for interior designers in your state.

Сделайте его легко на вашей задней части с воздуходувкой снежка

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 03:30 AM PST

Ничего может сделать ваша заднюю чувствовать как оно ломает больше чем должно для того чтобы освободить снежок после снежности. Лопаткоулавливатель снежка бледнеет по сравнению с легкостью воздуходувки снежка или метателя снежка по мере того как некоторые людей вызывают их. Проинвестируйте в воздуходувке снежка вместо оплачивать ванту плужка снежка Плужки снежка больш но только для зон тележка может провести маневр. Это часто исключает районы как дорожки и палубы патио. Оно чудесен для того чтобы мочь получить автомобиль из подъездной дороги, но оно не был бы славен мочь безопасно получить к автомобилю во-первых? Много делают, модели, и размеры воздуходувок снежка. Они легки для того чтобы работать и могут быстро ясно область вокруг экстерьера вашего дома. Дайте вашей задней части пролом и проинвестируйте в воздуходувке снежка перед первыми снежностями года. Когда вы ищете пути сделать ваше домашнее удобное и организовано, DirectBuy имеет широкий диапазон продуктов домашнего здания верхнего качества и домашнего улучшения, котор нужно помочь вам сделать его случиться. От приборов к хранению и очень больше, вы можете сохранить до 50% с розничных цен.

Идти смелейше с неофициальными советниками президента Kerf

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 01:27 PM PST

Если вы хотите создать новые кухню и you’ re чувствуя смелейш, смотрит не более дальше. Seattle-основанная конструкция Kerf предусматривает холеный и сильный взгляд путем работа с 2 просто ламинатами материалов, переклейки и пластмассы. Интегрировать чего Kerf рассматривает 3 предметами первой необходимости компонент-функциональностью, метод конструкции, и unadorned представлени-эти кухни как прямодушны по мере того как они красивейши. Примите эту кухню mid-century, на пример, то включает материалы Kerf в общее единообразие. Структуры и оборудование не только обновленный в взгляде, но обоснованно и традиционно делать-с весьма сильным joinery mortise и tenon. Эта дом уверена получить большое возвращение. В не обязательно известной земле для своего sleekness (хотя фантастичные природа и катание на лыжах, быть уверена), эта селитебная кухня в Юта сильна и функциональн-и была проектом DIY. Но работа с профессионалом интегрирует структуры Kerf наиболее наилучшим образомнаилучшим образом в кухню. Получите помощь с вашей собственной установкой шкафа здесь. Переклейка и помеец спаривая действительно нагревают эту кухню Eichler. Kerf сохраняет свою индивидуальность в такой конструкции стар-школы путем выходить joinery подвергано действию для уникально законченного взгляда. И не думайте что такая холодная компания ограничивает их конструкцию к кухне. Заканчивать связь эта смелейшая ванная комната выше, и изумительная система архива спальни ниже. Конструкция сочетание из, материалы и холодное астетическое Kerf могли выйти мы интересуя почему мы рассматривали бы что-нибудь еще.

Создайте Зим-Свободный космос в вашем доме

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 09:45 AM PST

По мере того как температуры окончательно начинают падать, оно даже больше ясных что зима как раз за углом. Пока может быть легко держать ваши духи ярким во время курортного сезона, как только январь ударяет, погода и наши настроения могут быть сбросами для много мы. Серые дни, sludgy улицы, и уменьшая часы дневного света достаточно для того чтобы положить самое счастливое людей в небольшой фанк. Но путей во избежание blahs зимы и сдержать усмешка на вашей стороне до весны! С запасным днем или 2, некоторые недорогие подъемы, и желание иметь счастливое, зим-свободное место в вашем доме, вы можете создать оазис от депрессии зимы. Здесь как мы создали зим-свободный космос в нашем доме:

Как Winterize ваш дом и ваше топление Билл

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 09:00 AM PST

Today's guest blog post is from Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a home remodeling company. Tracy has over 30 years experience in the construction industry and also hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN in North Georgia.

***

Winter is well on its way in many parts of the country, and it's time for everyone to start thinking about preparing your house for the winter season. Winterizing your home includes many easy and inexpensive projects that can save you money in heating bills in the long run. That old saying from your grandmother holds true in this case: "a moment to repair may save you an hour to replace!" Here are a few of my simple winterizing suggestions to help you prepare your home, and your wallet, for the cold weather ahead.

Furnace Tune-up
Get your HVAC serviced by a trusted local HVAC company. More specifically, have them inspect the duct system for leaks, as this can cause warmed air to leak outside instead of being distributed throughout your home. Alongside hiring a professional, there are also some easy, DIY improvements that can be done to help tune-up your home heating system.

• Make sure to change your filter monthly, and while you are thinking about it, stock up on new replacement filters for the next few months. When a filter gets clogged it restricts air flow, making your system work harder and less efficiently than it should. This not only costs you money in monthly usage bills, but the extra wear and tear shortens the life of your system.
• I also recommend buying a programmable thermostat if your home does not yet have one. Remember – it's not just about having one, you have to actually USE it to see any savings. Many people purchase and install one but never take advantage of the variable heat settings that can decrease unnecessary heat consumption.

Check Attic Insulation
Insulation in your attic reduces unwanted heat loss out of your home during the winter months, and air conditioning in the summer months. In most attics, it's recommended to insulate to R-38, which equates to 10 to 14 inches depending on the type of insulation. A quick way of determining if you need more insulation is by looking at the floor joists. If the joists stick up considerably past the insulation levels, you probably need more. If the joists are hidden under insulation, your attic is probably thoroughly insulated.

If you find your attic lacking, you can tackle it in the DIY fashion. Rolls of fiberglass batt insulation can be purchased at your local home improvement store to place over loose insulation, but make sure it has no paper or foil backing to allow for proper ventilation. This can be a very tedious process, as you have to make sure to cover every corner, nook and cranny is covered, which entails more than just rolling out the length of insulation batting. If you prefer, a professional can add loose fill insulation with blowing machines and get more consistent and thorough coverage. In most cases, there is less than a two year payback for fresh insulation, so it's an economical improvement.

In addition to checking insulation, to prevent warm air from escaping out of the top of your house, weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door. Since warm air rises, this type of heat escape is common. Seal up holes in the attic that lead down into the house, such as open wall tops and ducts, plumbing or electrical runs. Any hole that leads from the basement or a crawlspace to the attic is a big energy waster.

Close Off the Chimney
Given most fireplaces are more for show than practical use, install glass doors or inserts to keep the heat from getting sucked out of the house. If you are going to use your fireplace, hire a chimney sweep to clean it out annually and inspect the damper for proper opening and closing. If it's not working correctly, large amounts of heat can easily escape.

Properly Seal Doors & Windows
Using weather stripping around doors prevents cold air from entering the home. When you check all of your exterior doors to make sure weather stripping is intact, be on the lookout for a rotten threshold. A professional will need to replace this before weather stripping can be properly secured. If the weather stripping has deteriorated or is non-existant, install it on the sides and top of the door. The bottom of every exterior door should have a sweep running along the bottom to fully seal it from the elements.

As for windows, Keep an eye on double hung windows where the top half may slip down unknowingly. Walk through your house and make sure all the catches are securely locked to prevent this from happening. If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.

Wear a Sweater!
Each degree on the thermostat is costing you money! If you are looking for an easy, creative way to lower your energy costs, wear a sweater. An extra layer of clothing has the same effect as raising the temperature 2 degrees.

***

Thanks, Tracy!

Are there any other suggestions as how to cut your heating bill this winter? Let us know in the comments section of this post!

Cheers,

Rob.

How To Winterize Your Home and Your Heating Bill is a post from: BuildDirect. We cover a variety of home improvement products including laminate flooring, hardwood floors, bamboo flooring, tile, decking and more. We also offer a wide range of info on interior design, housing trends, home how to, green building and living, and more.

Related posts:

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  2. Extreme Heating and Cooling
  3. How to Weather-Proof Your Home in Preparation for Winter

Верхняя часть 10 подсказок благодарения вы бедный человек думали

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 08:17 AM PST

by Guest

The turkey's stuffed, table's set, and TV's on…but what about those Thanksgiving preparation and cleanup tips that aren't on your to-do list?

To keep the oven, garbage disposal and kitchen sink drain in good working condition this holiday season, cooks need to take some precautions before and after the Thanksgiving feast.

"Oven problems usually go unnoticed until the turkey is already inside," said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance® Corp. "Give yourself enough time before the big day to test your oven and if needed, call an appliance repair company for help. A few minutes spent checking your kitchen appliances could save your holiday season."

A proper working oven is something you and your tableful of hungry relatives will be thankful for. This year, add these oven tips from Mr. Appliance to your Thanksgiving to-do list in preparation for the festive feast:

  • Avoid running the self-cleaning cycle before a big holiday dinner.
  • Remove caked on food from the gas vents or the heating element.
  • To test baking efficiency, buy a white cake mix. If cake is dry or undercooked, oven temperature isn't set correctly.
  • Replace gaskets at the first sign of a leak or if moisture appears on outside of oven.
  • Use oven light to save cooking time and energy.

For those who aren't do-it-yourselfers, appliance repair professionals can repair faulty gaskets and replace oven lights.

As for the cleanup process, there are five tips many don't think about until it's too late. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has this advice:

  • Wipe off greasy dishes before washing.
  • Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
  • Throw scraps in trash or compost pile.
  • Don’t overload the garbage disposal.
  • Don't use dishwasher if disposal isn't working.

When cooks combine turkey bones and potato peels with grease, they've got the ideal recipe for a backed-up kitchen sink. It's a mixture that keeps plumbers busy over the holiday, unclogging stuffing-stuffed drains.

"It's important to know what should and should not be put down the drain before the Thanksgiving frenzy," said Mary Kennedy Thompson, president of Mr. Rooter Corporation. "People also don't realize how much food they put down their garbage disposal until the drain is backed up."

About Mr. Appliance®:

Mr. Appliance is North America's leading appliance repair franchise system. Established in 1996, its franchises provide full-service residential and light commercial appliance repair. Mr. Appliance has more than 150 locations throughout the United States and Canada and is consistently ranked among the top home service franchises by Entrepreneur magazine and other industry experts. Mr. Appliance is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information, visit mrappliance.com.

About Mr. Rooter®:

Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter is an all-franchised, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company with approximately 300 franchises worldwide. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500" and Franchise Times Top 200, Mr. Rooter franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Mr. Rooter began franchising in 1974 and is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information or to find the location nearest you, please visit our Web site at mrrooter.com.

Фара - на доме куклы Кельвин Klein

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PST

On Madison Avenue (New York) the Calvin Klein collection store provided an unusual centerpiece to their Christmas holiday window. Originally a conception of Senior Vice President of their creative services, Dale Rozmiarek, but the actual finished product was finally designed by architect Joshua Prince-Ramus and his company , REX Architecture P.C., working alongside structural Company Magnusson Klemencic Associates and fabricator Situ Studio.

A special debut on Madison Avenue

The structure, named "Madison Avenue (Doll)House" was a vision by Rozmiarek as a future home that projects modernistic, urban living and shows the importance of having space. The structure remained in the window throughout the holiday season until January 5th.

Photo source: yatzer.com

A peep into the future home

The working style of Prince-Ramus was ideal for this project as their designs have a reputation of elloquence and intelligence. They understood the concept of the structure straight away, then as a team added all the other elements along the way.

Photo source: yatzer.com

Intricate detailing of mini replicas

Designed with the typical Calvin Klein concepts throughout, this stylish model spans 4 storeys, and includes a modern urban roof area. The materials that make up this stunning example are acrylic sheeting, fabricated steel, and four way stretch spandex. This elegant structure cost one thousand pounds to make and was worth every penny as it floats above this famous New York street thanks to suspension hangers made of steel.

Photo source: yatzer.com

Clever creative direction behind stunning work

All the living space is furnished with clever mini pieces of Calvin Kline’s home line including the latest furniture about to debut. The company’s creative directors from several departments were responsible for the design and contribution of these items.

Photo source: rex-ny.com

A stunning model in the making

The Calvin Kline brand has always been influenced by Architecture, the company has been known to join forces with renowned architects like Shinichi Ogawain Tokyo and John PawsoninNew York.

Photo source: rex-ny.com

Flaunting architectural influence

Photo source: yatzer.com

Joshua Prince-Ramos with his proud moment

Работы Юоме Депот: Носить померанцовую рисберму

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 12:44 AM PST

Выдающие выбранные для работ Юоме Депот всегда внутри требование и как один из самых больших розничных торговцев, Юоме Депот должно заполнить разнообразие полные и по совместительству положения в магазинах по всей стране. Они нанимают для в-хранят супервизорные и non-supervisory положения также, как положения в их корпоративном офисе и центрах распределения. Квалификации Мы недавно спросили королю Jen, PR высшего руководителя, что они ищут в выбранных изыскивая депо работ на дому. «Мы изыскиваем выбранные с страстью для учить и для сыгранности, и те которые наслаждаются трудный и динамически окружающей средой работы.» Преимущества Она также самолюбива пакета преимущества Юоме Депот который может обеспечить для полных недел и по совместительству сподвижниц. «Мы предлагаем один из самых всесторонних пакетов преимуществ в розничной индустрии, даже для по совместительству сподвижниц, включая страхсбор медицинских, зубоврачебных и зрения, 401k, уцененный план покупкы штока, и успех программу тантьемы для подходящих full- и по совместительству сподвижниц.»

Подготовьте ваш дом для Modernistic утехи праздника

Posted: 16 Nov 2010 04:16 PM PST

Вы хотите одетьть ваш дом для незабываемой платы за проезд праздника, но you’ d любит быть праздничен без оборок, doilies и шнурка. We’ ve получил вас предусматривано с этими эклектичными домашними дисплеями которые будут иметь вас крикнуть с [modernistic] утехой праздника. С centerpiece шарика диско и шнуром палевых fairy светов, эта таблица дает enchantingly самомоднейшее зарево. Не смогите иметь партию без пить. Мы рекомендуем изощренную установку как это одно, с смешивать-ваш-собственными инструкциями коктеила и свежими ингридиентами. Специальные спасибо терапия квартиры для идей! Для tableware, & Inkwell Anthropologie; Argent dinnerware не может scream праздник, который точно пункт. Холено и немножко нервно, эти рифленные керамические тарелки проштемпелеваны с inky мотивами и глянцеватым серебром для того чтобы спарить совершенно с, сказать, красно и зелено, или синью. Не забыть Hanukkah на одна секунда, клеть и Barrel также предлагает много красивейших установок в teal и серебре. Эта плита снабженная ободком Teal взятие потехи на классицистическом фарфоре. Собрание клети и dinnerware Vesta бочонка пунцовое screams праздничное, pomegranates и клюквы. С типом, конечно. Эта текстурированная стеклянная плита обедающего только $13. Часто на более grittier стороне шика, урбанские Outfitters предлагают плиты праздника для тех при их язык засаженный твердо в их щеке. Эти плиты Gnomes танцы (4 для $20) фарфор судомойки и микроволн-безопасных. Для более ностальгической атмосферы, выйдите она к амбару гончарни для того чтобы создать классицистические плиты. С изображениями старого святой Николас, сь детей и poinsettias, этот комплект 4 плит наслаивает красивейше на таблицу как обедающий, салат, или даже плиты десерта.

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